Place de la Concorde — Attraction in Paris

One of Paris’s most emblematic squares, Place de la Concorde offers a majestic open space filled with history, symbolism, and architectural grace. My wife and I arrived here following our peaceful stroll through the Tuileries Gardens, and stepping into the vastness of the square felt like entering a grand stage of Parisian heritage.

At the centre stands the Luxor Obelisk, an extraordinary 3,300 year old monument gifted by Egypt to France in the 19th century. Its golden apex shimmered against the sky, and it was hard not to marvel at the sheer history anchored right there in the heart of modern Paris. Framing the obelisk are two ornate fountains, which added movement and charm to the scene. We took some of our favourite photos here, capturing the obelisk, the fountains, and the Eiffel Tower rising in the distance, all in one frame.

What struck us most was not just the beauty of the square, but its historical weight. It’s sobering to stand in the same spot where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed during the French Revolution. The contrast between today’s elegance and the square’s turbulent past gave the place a deeper, more poignant resonance.

For those who feel like taking a break, there are a few cafés and kiosks nearby, especially toward the edges of the Tuileries Gardens, where you can grab a coffee, pastry, or light lunch. If you’re looking for something more refined, Café Diane within the gardens offers outdoor seating with views of the fountains, while Angelina on Rue de Rivoli, just a short walk away, is ideal for a more indulgent tea-time experience.

From a practical standpoint, Place de la Concorde is easily accessible, with flat paving suitable for prams and wheelchairs. However, the adjacent Concorde Metro Station doesn’t offer step-free access at all entrances, so travellers with mobility concerns may want to plan an alternative route or seek assistance. Buses also serve the area well, with several lines stopping nearby.

For dog owners, this is a pet-friendly spot you’re welcome to bring your dog for a walk as long as they remain on a lead and you keep the area tidy. We noticed other travellers doing the same, and the wide, open layout makes it comfortable for everyone.

Public toilets are available near the entrance to the Tuileries Gardens, and although there’s a small fee to use them, the facilities were clean and conveniently located.

In conclusion, Place de la Concorde is far more than a traffic roundabout, it’s a living open air museum, a vantage point for photographing the city’s landmarks, and a place for quiet reflection amid Paris’s grandeur. Whether you’re admiring its monuments, grabbing a snack, or passing through on your way to the Seine or Champs Élysées, it’s a stop that should not...

The Place de la Concorde is one of the major public squares in Paris, France. Measuring 8.64 hectares (21.3 acres) in area, it is the largest square in the French capital. It is located in the city's eighth arrondissement, at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It was the site of many notable public executions of royalty during the French Revolution.

The place was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1755 as a moat-skirted octagon between the Champs-Elysées to the west and the Tuileries Garden to the east. Decorated with statues and fountains, the area was named the Place Louis XV to honor the king at that time. The square showcased an equestrian statue of the king, which had been commissioned in 1748 by the city of Paris, sculpted mostly by Edmé Bouchardon, and completed by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle after the death of Bouchardon.

At the north end, two magnificent identical stone buildings were constructed. Separated by the rue Royale, these structures remain among the best examples of Louis Quinze style architecture. Initially, the eastern building served as the French Naval Ministry. Shortly after its construction, the western building became the opulent home of the Duc d'Aumont. It was later purchased by the Comte de Crillon, whose family resided there until 1907. The famous luxury Hôtel de Crillon, which currently occupies the building, took its name from its previous owners.

The place was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in 1755 as a moat-skirted octagon between the Champs-Elysées to the west and the Tuileries Garden to the east. Decorated with statues and fountains, the area was named the Place Louis XV to honor the king at that time. The square showcased an equestrian statue of the king, which had been commissioned in 1748 by the city of Paris, sculpted mostly by Edmé Bouchardon, and completed by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle after the death of Bouchardon.

At the north end, two magnificent identical stone buildings were constructed. Separated by the rue Royale, these structures remain among the best examples of Louis Quinze style architecture. Initially, the eastern building served as the French Naval Ministry. Shortly after its construction, the western building became the opulent home of the Duc d'Aumont. It was later purchased by the Comte de Crillon, whose family resided there until 1907. The famous luxury Hôtel de Crillon, which currently occupies the building, took its name from its previous...

Place de la Concorde is one of the most breathtaking and historically significant squares in Paris, and a visit here is an absolute delight. Nestled between the Tuileries Garden and the start of the Champs-Élysées, its central location makes it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the heart of the city. Whether you’re strolling through Paris or planning a structured sightseeing itinerary, this majestic square offers something for everyone.

The history of Place de la Concorde is as grand as its size. Originally named Place Louis XV, it later became infamous as the site of the guillotine during the French Revolution. The square bore witness to some of the most tumultuous moments in French history, including the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. Today, it stands as a symbol of unity and peace, as its name suggests, and a tribute to Paris’s rich cultural legacy.

The highlight of the square is undoubtedly the magnificent Obelisk of Luxor, a 3,300-year-old Egyptian artifact gifted to France in the 19th century. Standing tall at the center of the square, the obelisk is flanked by two beautiful fountains: the Fountain of the Seas and the Fountain of the Rivers, both adorned with exquisite sculptures. The artistry and craftsmanship of these features are truly mesmerizing, making them a perfect backdrop for photographs.

Reaching Place de la Concorde is incredibly easy. The Concorde metro station, served by lines 1, 8, and 12, places you right at the square. For walkers, the location is ideal, as it connects seamlessly with other iconic attractions. You can take a leisurely walk from the Louvre through the Tuileries Garden or continue from here to the Arc de Triomphe via the Champs-Élysées.

What makes Place de la Concorde truly magical is its atmosphere and views. From this open square, you can admire a 360-degree panorama of Paris. The Eiffel Tower peeks from the distance, the grandeur of the Madeleine Church beckons, and the Seine glimmers nearby. Whether you visit during the day or when the city lights shine at night, the square’s elegance and charm never fail to amaze.

In summary, Place de la Concorde is a harmonious blend of history, art, and beauty. Its accessibility, historical significance, and stunning vistas make it an unmissable highlight of any trip to Paris. It’s a place where the city’s past and present come together in...